Child Development Associate Jobs in Lakeland, FL

The Department of Pediatrics in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine is seeking a clinical faculty member who is fellowship-trained and/or board-certified in Pediatrics, Family Medicine or Emergency Medicine with experience working in Child Abuse Pediatrics. BC/BE in Child Abuse Pediatrics is preferred, but not required. 

This position will join a growing team at Muma Children's Hospital at Tampa General Hospital (TGH). Muma Children's Hospital at TGH is establishing a The Child WellBeing Center of Excellence (COE), as a firstinFlorida, statewiderecognized regional hub for pediatric trauma, child protection, and injury prevention. As part of the only ACSverified Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in West Central Florida, this physician will help lead a multidisciplinary program dedicated to improving outcomes for vulnerable children across Hillsborough, Polk, and surrounding counties.

The physician will provide comprehensive clinical services-including inpatient consultations, outpatient evaluations, forensic assessments, and multidisciplinary team collaboration - while working closely with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), child advocacy centers, law enforcement, and our hospital partner. 

In addition to direct patient care, the physician will contribute to program growth, support ACS Pediatric Level I Trauma requirements, engage in teaching and academic activities with USF Health, and participate in research and quality initiatives.

This role offers a unique opportunity to help build Florida's first Child WellBeing Center of Excellence and shape a regional model of care for vulnerable children. 

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.  

Minimum: 

• Medical degree from an accredited institution or the highest degree appropriate in the field of specialization with a demonstrated record of achievement in teaching, academic research, and service. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor. For Associate/Full Professor - Normally will have produced creative work, professional writing or research in refereed and other professional journals, and be a recognized authority in the field of specialization.
• Board Certified in Pediatrics, Family Medicine or Emergency Medicine with prior experience working in Child Abuse Pediatrics with demonstrated expertise in managing child abuse and neglect cases
• Completion of a 3-year, ACGME accredited Child Abuse Pediatrics fellowship is preferred, but not required.

Additional Minimum: 

• Must hold or be eligible for a full, unrestricted Florida Medical License or foreign equivalent required. To perform this position, the candidate will need to obtain and maintain a full un-restricted FL Medical License, maintain credentials in the USF Health faculty practice plan, and be a medical staff member in good standing at the hospitals he/she is assigned to perform clinical duties. 

• The candidate will participate in the teaching of residents, fellows, and medical students in clinical medicine.

• CLINICAL: The position includes both outpatient care and inpatient consultative services. Clinical duties include call coverage per the Child Abuse Program call schedule. Outpatient care is primarily based out of Mary Lee's House in Tampa, FL. 
• TEACHING: The selected candidate will be expected to contribute to departmental teaching programs involving residents, medical students, and house staff.  He/she will participate in the preparation/organization of new educational programs as well as participation in the university/college assigned committees.  The individual will be expected to effectively utilize his/her clinical practice as a teaching resource. Both students and residents will attend the outpatient clinics. 
• RESEARCH: Collaborative effort within the Department and the University will be encouraged.
• OTHER: Other duties as assigned. Responsible to a Chair or other appropriate higher-level administrator of a State university. Responsible for teaching, research, service, and related administrative activities.Responsible for academic advising and related activities. May represent the university, college/school, or department.